Editorial Dolmen publishes Koldo Azpitarte and Mikel Bao’s exclusive approach to the legendary author.
Trying to understand how the mind of a genius works is very ambitious. Therefore, many approaches have more to do with contextual data than with an approach to the psychological mechanisms of the creator’s mind. This is a trend advocated in favor of personal approaches in which the author sits back and the interpretation of his work comes to the fore. But still without bothering to empathize or understand the object of the work.
For this reason, the works that dare to cover all this and, moreover, to put the reader into the perspective of the analyzed character, are not quite successful and plentiful. last year surprised The lie that lies before us the audacity to address some of these features, and apart from obvious stylistic features, Satan and Mr. Twain does the same†
It is an idea formed in the minds. Koldo Azpitarte and the care and completeness with which the work is done is evident. It’s a work he’s passionate about and has accompanied one of his favorite writers, Twain, ever since he learned that he was meeting with Tesla. The opportunity grew to create a project that would allow him to both appreciate Twain and pull the string until he found parallels with the author and ours.
Also, the story takes an episodic format (as a tribute to the original publications of Twain’s novels), in which an anthological direction is preferred that fits as a whole. It is a somewhat complex structure, but successfully implemented. This adds to the thinning of the central plot in favor of a more observational positioning.
if there is something The Devil and Mr. TwainIt is the study of a real historical figure and his relationship to his environment. The character is humanized and with its problems and trivialities, it makes the reader want to spend more time with him. Episodes range from the most spectacular (especially interesting encounters with Bram Stoker or other brilliant minds of the Nikola Tesla caliber) to the most mundane and mundane without losing their tone.
Despite an ambition that is reflected in the many issues to be discussed, everything is quite balanced. A series of theses on progress, capitalism, love, pain, loss, crossroads and life experiences that transform and shape identity, inspiration and literary creation, following a structural model entirely based on conversation and letters. Such ambition may seem like it could lead to a striking lack of originality, but surprisingly this is not the case.
The whole story is approached with the grace of a face-to-face reader. It’s not about arranging a seat, it’s about starting a series of discussions that don’t normally happen and that should definitely happen more in our societies. This requires humility that can be found on every page. The dissertations, the clash of viewpoints, and the complexity of complementary and opposing ideas that no one is right. It may seem like it’s over today, but these pieces show that many issues are still relevant.
art Mikel Bao surprised by its stylistic sophistication. He is someone who consciously chose a clear line, cartoon and line. animated movie† He didn’t particularly want to break ground, as this piece had other purposes. On the contrary, his art is always minimalist and clear: there are elements to tell what needs to be said. In addition, simple compositions consisting of six symmetrical vignettes were used. As a result, it gives a freely felt sense of order and concert.
The use of color in this particular work is also remarkable. It has adopted a warm, yellowish tone for much of the story, punctuated by a cooler, duller blue in a sequence that breaks away from the naturalism of the book in favor of a more anarchic abstraction. There the compositions become more creative and less traditional in favor of what the story demands.
skin Editorial Dolmen It is a version of a perfect invoice. In addition to the comic itself, there is a very comprehensive afterword where everyone involved details the process that led to the development and subsequent publication of this work. No doubt this is a great result.
The Devil and Mr. Twain An in-depth approach to one of the most extraordinary literary minds of recent centuries. A lesson that has the intensity necessary to claim peace of mind, but rewards the reader with something that allows you to broaden your perspective. A comic book that will make you grateful at the end of your journey about the famous writer with the stunning mustache.
